Carbonated water eases the symptoms of some forms of stomach complaints, as well as easing constipation. I learned this the hard way, which, unfortunately, is usually how I learn all my lessons.

The main symptom of stomach problems that I have is feeling bloated from fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating; overeating is something I do a lot. Suffering was my typical experience; then I went to work for a man who would always take water and baking soda whenever he had these symptoms. One day, I was really miserable, so I tried his remedy and after a short while, I felt much, much better.

Naturally, I wanted to learn why this works so well. This was long before antacid medications were sold over the counter (OTC) and long before people became accustomed to run to the doctor with every ache, pain or stomach problem. Basically, adding baking soda with water produces carbon dioxide gas with bubbles; somehow the bubbles and the ingredients form a solution that aids the movement of the digestive tract, relieving some of the difficulties from overeating – that bloated feeling goes away.

This adding baking soda and water actually forms carbonated water which has been used for years to treat digestive complaints, yet no research exists if it is effective or how it works. I discovered studies showing something interesting — both the bubbles of carbon dioxide and the presence of high minerals can stimulate the digestive process. Basically, this is what I was making with water and baking soda. I discovered no information on whether the mineral-rich carbonated water or the bubbles are more effective.

I found some suggestions for stopping these problems before they develop, such as: eating smaller meals; reduce eating a lot of fat; avoiding foods that cause your stomach problems; and if you smoke, stopping as soon as possible. Also everyone should drink a healthy amount of fluids to maintain movement of your GI tract and stop constipation.

I read about some devices to make homemade carbonated water, which you can use for drinking. Adding a number of flavors creates an option to regular soda pop, which is especially great if you want to avoid the calories. By making this homemade drink with water rich in minerals, you have created a very healthy and low calorie drink, called sparkling water, which is good for your whole family. A large assortment of calorie free flavors to flavor sparkling water to great taste is sold at allfreight.com.

But, the information that I do know from personal experience is that carbonated water does help when you have overeaten and are at work for the rest of the day and are absolutely miserable.